30 Seconds SummaryThe Menstrual Cycle and Contraceptives: A Complete Guide for Athletes
- Menstrual cycle phases can affect athletic performance, motivation, and injury risk, with variations largely due to PMS and menstrual symptoms rather than physiological changes.
- Contraceptives generally do not impact physical performance; however, they can influence emotional, sexual, and overall well-being, with varying effects depending on the individual and type of contraceptive.
- Regular exercise can mitigate pre-menstrual and menstrual symptoms, potentially improving concentration and reducing negative mood states and pain.
- Performance differences during menstrual phases are not so significant as to eliminate skill disparities even in elite athletes; individual variation in symptom experience plays a significant role.
- The menstrual cycle influences injury susceptibility; estrogen and progesterone fluctuations affect joint laxity and coordination, impacting injury rates especially for ACL injuries.
- Training may be more effective during the follicular phase due to lesser muscle damage and quicker recovery, though it's still beneficial to train throughout the menstrual cycle.
- Nutritional cravings and increased appetite can be more pronounced during the luteal phase; managing these through diet adjustments can help mitigate pre-menstrual symptoms.
- Women on hormonal contraceptives experience fewer menstrual symptoms and performance fluctuations, though these contraceptives can change hormonal balances affecting mood and sexual function.
Stronger By Science
Greg Nuckols
